Aluminum Decking Hot? (Must Know Info)


There are many different types of materials that you can use to build your deck. One thing that you want as a deck owner is a deck that does not get hot during the hot days. This gives you several options when choosing a material that doesn’t retain heat. Aluminum is one of the materials you can use if you want a cold deck.

So, is aluminum decking hot? Aluminum decking does not get hot. Aluminum decking is among the coolest materials you can use to build your deck. During hot weather, an aluminum deck does not retain heat. Its reflective surface bounces off the sun’s rays, keeping it cool. An aluminum deck also dissipates heat faster than any other material; hence even on hot days, the deck is comfortable under the feet.

Everyone wants to use their deck throughout the year. When researching the best material to build your deck, you should consider aluminum decking because it is an all-weather material.

Aluminum decking does not get hot. Every style of decking has its advantages and disadvantages, including aluminum. One of the advantages of using aluminum to build your deck is that it tends to stay cool compared to other decking materials. You can use the deck in both cold and hot seasons without getting discomfort from the deck’s temperature.

Aluminum decking cannot hold heat for a long time. Your deck will be exposed to the sun for long periods, and you need a material that will not retain heat so much. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat and can absorb heat fast; however, this same property makes it easier for aluminum to cool down. Therefore, an aluminum decking will absorb heat from the sun quickly, but it will not retain the heat for a long time.

Aluminum decking also can dissipate heat quickly. Dissipation means that when you touch or step on the aluminum deck, it will be hot for a short time, then the temperature will drop to a more comfortable zone. You can use the deck during a sunny day because it is easier to find a comfortable temperature under the foot if the deck is made of aluminum.

However, this characteristic does not mean you can step on the aluminum deck barefoot at any time of the day. Sometimes the aluminum deck absorbs too much heat from the sun, and it might burn your feet if you step on it without waiting for it to cool down. You can wait until the sun sets, or you can introduce a shade to help the aluminum lose the heat quickly.

In addition to maintaining a cool temperature, an aluminum deck will last for many years with minimal maintenance and replacements. An aluminum deck does not need constant care; you can use it for years without replacing anything. Unlike wood, aluminum does not retain water; hence, it is not susceptible to rot. It cannot be infested with termites and other insects; thus, you will use the deck for an extended period without replacing it.

Even with its excellent performance in hot weather conditions, an aluminum deck has its disadvantages. One of them is that an aluminum deck is very noisy. If the deck is not covered from above, you will have a noisy deck whenever something hits it.

During the rainy season, an aluminum deck might make it difficult for you to relax. There are special aluminum designs that reduce the noise when struck, but they will cost you more to install.

The reason why many people opt for other decking materials is the cost of installing an aluminum deck. Aluminum is a costly material, and you might need an expert to install it, increasing your overall costs. It is a sacrifice one has to make. You have to choose between installing an expensive deck that does not retain heat for a long time or build a cheap deck that will burn your feet when you use it on hot days.

What Decking Material Does Not Get Hot?

When selecting decking material, you should consider how hot the materials get when exposed to heat. You want a deck that you will be comfortable to walk on bare feet during the day. Here are some of the decking materials that do not get hot.

Aluminum

Aluminum can handle sunny weather without becoming weak or warping. It dissipates heat quickly; hence, you can walk on your deck barefoot even on sunny days. Aluminum comes in shiny colors that reflect off sun rays, making them absorb less heat. You should avoid painting your aluminum deck in dark colors as this will make them absorb and retain too much heat.

IPE Decking

IPE decking is one of the finest quality wood you can find for your deck. The wood for ipe decking is harvested in Central and South America. In addition to looking good and its durability, an ipe deck will maintain a cool, comfortable temperature even on hot days compared to other wood decks.

Do not install your IPE deck too close to the ground or concrete pavement; their temperature can negatively affect your deck. High-quality ipe wood is challenging to find; hence, you might incur more costs to find the best ipe wood for your deck.

Vinyl Rail

A vinyl rail has an aluminum core and a vinyl coating. It does not retain heat to a level that will cause discomfort to your feet and has the same heat properties as an aluminum deck. It is fire resistant and repels bugs better than most decking materials. It also gives your deck a more formal look hence the best option to use if you also use your home for business.

Pressure Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is the most common type of decking material. Many people have decks made from pressure-treated wood because it is cheap and readily available. Pressure-treated wood retains heat during a sunny day, but it does not get so hot that it causes you discomfort. You can protect the wood from too much heat by applying a coat of sealer.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is the most common alternative to wood decking in many homes. Composite decking is made of plastic, and the goal is to mimic the properties of wood. There is minimal difference between wood decking and composite decking when it comes to the retention of heat.

However, unlike wood that retains heat long after the sun has gone, a composite deck cools down faster once the sun goes down or a shade is introduced. There are different types of composite decking materials, do some research on the material that cools down the fastest.

Finally

A good deck should be able to lose heat fast when the sun sets. An aluminum deck will lose heat more quickly once the sun sets or once you install a shade; hence you will not have to wait long to use your deck after a long hot day.

The aluminum material also dissipates heat faster, meaning you can step on the hot aluminum deck. The temperate will drop to a comfortable zone faster than the other decking materials.

There are different options to choose from when selecting decking materials that will not get hot. Depending on your budget, you can choose from aluminum, composite, ipe wood, vinyl railing, and pressure-treated wood.

Pressure-treated wood is the cheapest material, but it is the slowest material for losing heat. Aluminum is the best option, but it is costly; you need to research before selecting the decking material.

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